Arestin

Scaling and root planing (SRP) can be very effective in helping to clear up bacteria and remove plaque from the surfaces of teeth and gums. However, there may be bacteria that can’t be reached via this procedure, especially when working with deep periodontal pockets. Arestin, which is an antibiotic that is administered locally, comes into play to combat periodontal disease, which can result in the loss of teeth if not treated promptly and effectively.

With the combination of Arestin and SRP, periodontal disease can be managed more easily so that it will not be as prone to re-occur. When periodontal disease has created infected pockets in the gum tissue, the administering of Arestin has proven to be very beneficial for treating this condition. When used in conjunction with scaling and root planing therapy, Arestin reduces the depth of pockets in adults with periodontitis. Arestin may also be used on a maintenance level in a special dental program that is combined with SRP therapy and good oral hygiene habits.

Arestin is an antibiotic that comes in powder form. It can quickly and easily be prepared and administered. The powder is placed within infected periodontal pockets in the gum tissue. This placement occurs after scaling and root planing have been performed on the teeth by our Los Angeles dentist. Tiny, bead-like particles called Microspheres, which contain minocycline, are released over time inside the infected pocket. These particles can’t be seen by the naked eye as they are smaller than a grain of sand. But they effectively do their job in killing harmful bacteria that can thrive for a duration of 21 days.

When clinical studies have been performed, the addition of Arestin therapy was found to be more effective in combating periodontal disease than just scaling and root planing therapy alone. Arestin also significantly reduces the size of periodontal pockets, more so than SRP therapy can by itself.